Standard Bank, Africa’s biggest bank by assets, has announced the financial close of a R11.5 billion deal that sees Vodacom, the biggest telecommunications company in South Africa by subscribers, acquire a 30% stake in Maziv, the owner of Dark Fibre Africa and Vumatel, in a new single fibre-providing entity.
Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) was initially appointed by Maziv as Advisor to the company in relation to the investment by Vodacom. Standard Bank was also appointed by Vodacom as co-global coordinator, joint arranger and, joint funder for the funding.
“Our purpose is to change lives by connecting South Africans to fast, accessible fibre and to bridge the digital divide that limits opportunities for businesses and communities, particularly those in underserved communities. We are proud to have partnered with Standard Bank as M&A Advisors on this landmark transaction that allows us to accelerate our mission in empowering people and unlocking the potential of our country through connectivity,” says Dietlof Mare, Chief Executive Officer at Maziv.
The transformative acquisition has been four years in the making, having overcome regulatory hurdles with the Competition Regulator’s approval granted in July 2025 and the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa’s (ICASA) approval certified in November 2025.
“At Vodacom, our purpose is to connect for a better future, and that includes investing in the kind of infrastructure that gives more people and businesses access to quality connectivity where they live and work. We’re excited to partner with Standard Bank, who share our passion for supporting South Africa’s growth and creating real opportunities for communities,” says Kabelo Mokoena, Group Executive at Vodacom Group Limited.
The deal is the largest fibre deal on the continent and will unlock fibre connectivity to previously underserviced areas and communities in South Africa thereby narrowing the digital divide, by delivering access to fast internet connectivity to homes and businesses in rural and township areas.
“Standard Bank is proud to partner with Vodacom on delivering a funding package for this strategic acquisition and largest fibre deal on the continent which will increase connectivity to previously underserved communities,” says Mulalo Takaedza, Corporate Financing Solutions Executive at Standard Bank CIB.
According to ICASA 2025 State of the ICT Sector in South Africa report, mobile access remains the predominant means of connecting to the internet for most of the populace, with mobile connectivity reported at 72.6%. However, the national average for fixed internet access at home sits at 14.5%, further illustrating the point of disparity.
Grant Tidbury, Head of M&A Advisory at Standard Bank CIB, adds, “We are honoured and privileged to have advised Maziv on this landmark transaction which will result in the continued expansion of digital access for South Africa.”
As part of the commitments under the deal, Maziv will look to connect more than 8,000 mobile base stations across SA. The entity currently provides fibre connectivity to more than 2 million homes and more than 25 000 commercial buildings across the country and this capital injection from Vodacom will accelerate further deployment.
“We are incredibly honoured to be associated with this acquisition as it speaks directly to the purpose for our existence at Standard Bank, to drive Africa’s growth,” says Kumbirai Gundani Head of Telecommunications, Media and Technology at Standard Bank CIB.
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